antiX MEPIS is an open source distribution of Linux based on the highly acclaimed and award winning Debian GNU/Linux operating system. It is designed to be used on 32-bit (x86 Intel-AMD) compatible machines and features the lightweight IceWM window manager.
Availability, supported architectures and boot options
The project was previously distributed as two ISO images, one for the 64-bit architecture and another one for the 32-bit instruction set architecture. However, newer versions are available for download only as a Live CD compatible with the x86 hardware platform.
The ISO image can be easily written to a blank CD disc, or deployed onto a USB thumb drive, using the UNetbootin software. The boot menu provides users with the ability to try the distribution without installing anything on your computer, run a memory diagnostic test, boot an existing operating system, or install the OS directly via the command-line (not recommended).
Classic desktop environment and lightweight applications
IceWM is in charge of the graphical session on this operating system. It provides users with a traditional desktop environment that can be themed as you like, and features a single taskbar located on the bottom edge of the screen.
Users can easily access the main menu and launch applications by right clicking anywhere on the desktop or from the taskbar. Furthermore, the taskbar is used to interact with running programs and switch between the four virtual workspaces.
Default applications include the luckyBackup file sync and backup tool, Leafpad text editor, Xarchiver archive manager, Mirage image viewer, mtPaint graphic editor, Claws Mail email client, Dillo, Links and Iceweasel web browsers, gFTP file transfer client, Transmission torrent downloader, Geany IDE, and the entire LibreOffice office suite.
Bottom line
In conclusion, antiX MEPIS is a very fast and decent Debian-based operating system that can be used to revive old computers and machines with low-end hardware components.
